Page 4 - BROCHURE-EUROGUIDANCE

■ Introduction Who can take a course in Europe?
The principle of free movement of people in the European Union allows
them to take a course in any one of the Member States, so long as they
The search for a useful course must be methodical and well-directed to comply with the provisions which apply in the State where the course is being
be profitable. To the extent that a course can sometimes be a springboard held (timetables, status, fees and contributions, etc). A French trainee can
to integration, it is of some considerable importance. Otherwise, what therefore move around within the EU, and a European trainee can come to
does the concept offer? Depending on the country, the meaning and France, to take a course according to the regulatory conditions of courses
reality of taking a course may vary. In France, a course responds to a in France. For non-Europeans, it is particularly important that they ensure
certain definition and a clearly specified a legal framework, which is a that their administrative situation is in line with the status of a trainee as
guarantee of its quality. It consists of professional experience integrated defined in the country where the training takes place, in particular when
into a training or study course and is the subject of a training contract the course is considered to be a short-term work situation.
(convention de stage) between the three parties: trainee, company and
training establishment. Its wealth derives from the opportunity of being This guide is directed first and foremost to trainees who wish to take a
confronted with the needs and realities of the professional world while course abroad; and to the education and training professionals who
remaining in a learning context. The course not only allows trainees to support them in their research, including when the course operates as
use their knowledge and to adapt it to the real needs in the field, but also alternance training.
to acquire new skills. Carried out at the beginning of the training course, It is intended to provide benchmarks and methodological advice for success
it rather serves as a discovery of the world of work, or more particularly a in taking a good-quality training course in Europe, in the context of a study
sector of activity. Half-way through the course, it offers the possibility of or training course.
participating in the company's ongoing activities at the end of the studies.
Towards the end, the course is inclined towards the mastery of technical
expertise, as well as towards an understanding of the organization skills
and human relations which are required in business. It allows the trainee
to make adjustments and confirm choices, before any initial professional
integration.

Why take a course abroad ?
By taking a course in Europe, the benefits described above would also
be combined with those of a mobility experience: cultural and linguistic
knowledge, open-mindedness, the spirit of initiative, listening and working
as a team, taking responsibility, autonomy, analysing a situation from
different angles, resolving problems … the added value is considerable.
Forced out of their comfort zones, trainees abroad describe it as a
significant experience which transformed them, and helped them to gain
self-confidence. In playing the skill transfer game, foreign courses help
develop adaptability and communication skills; they also encourage the
emergence of an entrepreneurial spirit. Finally, these experiences facilitate
and accelerate the route to employment.

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